“He Should Have Been Sentenced To Death”- Pastor Ng’ang’a Reacts To Paul Mackenzie’s 200-Year Jail Term

Neno Evangelism Centre founder Apostle James Maina Ng’ang’a has broken his silence on the landmark sentencing of Good News International Church leader Paul Mackenzie, questioning whether the 200-year prison term handed down by the court goes far enough.

High Court Judge Diana Kavedza-Mochache sentenced Mackenzie to 200 years in prison on Friday, November 6, 2026, following his conviction on 191 counts of murder involving 190 children and one adult in the Shakahola forest massacre.

Reacting to the judgment during a live sermon at his Nairobi church, the outspoken 73-year-old televangelist lambasted Mackenzie for using scripture to manipulate vulnerable followers into lethal starvation while avoiding the ordeal himself.

“I heard that Mackenzie was sentenced to 200 years, haha. The judge should have considered the death penalty and she could have been done with that. Someone who tells people to fast but does not fast himself… Isn’t that using the name of Jesus? Did Jesus say people should fast and die to go to heaven?” Ng’ang’a posed.

“I Am the Chief General”: Ng’ang’a Distances Himself from Cultic Doctrines

Addressing any comparisons between himself and other controversial high-profile religious figures, Ng’ang’a humorously referenced his own past time behind bars prior to his ordination.

Having served time in correctional facilities between 1972 and 1992 before founding Neno Evangelism, the veteran preacher joked about his familiarity with prison routine.

The Aftermath of the Shakahola Convictions

Mackenzie’s conviction—which comprises 100 years for murder by starvation and 100 years for direct homicide—follows one of Kenya’s most horrific criminal investigations, where search teams uncovered more than 400 bodies buried in shallow graves across Shakahola forest in Kilifi County.

While Mackenzie’s defense team has indicated plans to appeal the ruling, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that the state will keep the cult leader under isolated, high-security custody to prevent in-prison radicalization. Mackenzie still faces separate charges related to terrorism and additional fatalities linked to his movement.